Grilled Potatoes Recipe Easy BBQ Side

Name: Grilled Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 pounds small yellow or red potatoes; – 2 teaspoons salt, divided; – 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; – 1 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1 teaspoon onion powder; – 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); – Several grinds black pepper; – Avocado oil or cooking spray (for grill); – Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, and/or dill (optional, for garnish)

By:

Thyme Louise

Published:

April 27, 2026

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Potatoes

Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re firing up the grill for a backyard bash, these grilled potatoes will steal the show as your go-to side dish. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s simple, tasty, and packs a punch of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ease of preparation: Whip up these grilled potatoes in just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes on the grill for a total of 40 minutes. No fancy skills needed, just boil, toss, and grill. Perfect for busy parents or working pros who want a quick win without the fuss. This simplicity makes it a staple for weeknight dinners or last-minute parties.
Health benefits: Small yellow or red potatoes deliver potassium, fiber, and vitamins that support heart health and digestion. Tossed in extra-virgin olive oil, you get heart-friendly fats too. Check out these potato health benefits for more reasons to dig in. Low in calories and naturally gluten-free, they fit diet-conscious eaters perfectly. Serves 6 with wholesome goodness in every bite.
Versatility: These grilled potatoes adapt to any meal. Pair them with burgers, chicken, or veggies. Vegan by nature, they’re easy to tweak for low-calorie swaps like less oil. Students and seniors alike appreciate how they stretch to feed a crowd or make solo meals hearty.
Distinctive flavor: That smoky char from direct grilling, mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, and optional smoked paprika, creates crispy skins and tender insides. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a bright finish. It’s the charred edges and savory spices that set these grilled potatoes apart from boring boiled spuds!

This is my favorite quick side that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or steak. The crispy bits are irresistible!

With benefits like these, grilled potatoes become your new BBQ obsession. Ready to try them?

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Potatoes

Serves: 6 people | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Main Ingredients

2 pounds small yellow or red potatoes – Waxy varieties that hold their shape, giving crispy skins and tender centers after grilling.
2 teaspoons salt, divided – Seasons the boiling water and the final toss for balanced flavor throughout.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – Coats the potatoes for grilling, adding richness and promoting those perfect char marks. Learn about the benefits of olive oil.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Brings savory depth without chopping fresh garlic, easy for busy cooks.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds sweet, umami notes that complement the smoky grill flavor.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – Gives a subtle smokiness and vibrant color to your grilled potatoes.
Several grinds black pepper – Freshly ground for sharp, spicy kick that enhances every bite.
Avocado oil or cooking spray (for grill) – High smoke point oil prevents sticking and adds crispiness to the grates.
Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, and/or dill (optional, for garnish) – Bright, fresh pop of color and flavor to finish off the dish.

Special Dietary Options

Vegan: Fully plant-based as is, no animal products needed.
Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free; all ingredients are safe.
Low-calorie: Cut oil to 1 tablespoon or use spray; potatoes keep it light at under 200 calories per serving.

Grab these pantry staples, and you’re set for grilled potatoes success!

How to Prepare the Perfect Grilled Potatoes: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s get grilling! This step-by-step guide makes perfect grilled potatoes foolproof. Follow along for crispy, charred results every time. I’ve added tips for dietary tweaks too.

First Step: Prep the potatoes

Place 2 pounds small yellow or red potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water by 1 inch. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt. This salted boil seasons them from the inside. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 8 to 15 minutes until fork-tender. No need to peel, the skins crisp up beautifully. For low-cal, skip extra salt here. Drain well, let cool slightly, and cut in half. Halving exposes the cut side for max char. Vegan folks, this step stays the same.

Second Step: Preheat and season Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat, about 350-400°F. While it heats, grab a large bowl. Toss the halved potatoes with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika if using, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and several grinds black pepper. Mix gently to coat evenly. This dry rub keeps it simple and flavorful. For gluten-free assurance, double-check your spices. The oil helps seasonings stick and prevents drying out.

Third Step: Oil the grates Brush or spray the grill grates with avocado oil or cooking spray. This crucial step stops sticking and gives smokier flavor by direct contact. High-heat oils like avocado shine here, holding up to grill temps. If you’re diet-conscious, spray lightly. Pro tip: Clean grates first for pure potato taste.

Fourth Step: Grill the potatoes Place potatoes cut-side down on the grates. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes until char marks form and skins crisp. Flip carefully with tongs, then cook another 5 minutes until tender inside and well-charred. Total grill time about 10-12 minutes. Adjust for potato size or heat. Direct grilling beats foil for crispier results. Stir midway if using a pan. Test with a fork, vegan or not.

Final Step: Finish and serve Remove from grill. Season to taste with more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill for garnish. Serve hot with ketchup, aioli, or herb sauce. Pairs great with your favorite mains. These grilled potatoes shine at parties for food enthusiasts and hosts. Leftovers? Save for tomorrow!

Grill Timing Guide
Potato Size	Parboil Time	Grill Time
Small halves	8-15 min	10 min
Whole baby	Skip or 5 min	15-20 min

Wow, that was easy! Your grilled potatoes are ready to impress. Total time flies by.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Grilled Potatoes

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Potatoes are the star, but swap for variety. Use Yukon Golds for creamier texture, as in our tips. Sweet potatoes work for sweeter, nutrient-packed grilled potatoes, vegan and low-cal. For heartier, add chickpeas post-grill. These keep the dish gluten-free and adaptable for seniors or travelers.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Mix in onions or peppers in the bowl for one-pan grilled potatoes. Swap spices: try cumin for spice or rosemary for herbs. Sauces? Aioli or ketchup as suggested. Low-cal: herb sauce only. Seasonal tweaks like dill in summer fit busy parents’ needs. All keep the smoky vibe.

Customize away, these grilled potatoes flex for any diet!

Mastering Grilled Potatoes: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your grilled potatoes to pro level with these tricks. I love experimenting!

Pro cooking techniques: Par-boiling prevents burning outsides first. Grill direct on grates, not foil, for crispier skins and smoke. Total grill 10 minutes, flip halfway. Adjust for size and heat. High-heat oils like avocado or groundnut best. Boil ahead, grill later for parties.
Flavor variations: Yukon Golds, different spices, or oils. Add cayenne for heat or Parmesan post-grill.
Presentation tips: Halve for crispy skin. Garnish with herbs. Serve family-style.
Make-ahead options: Boil day before. Perfect for working pros.

Pair with a sweet peach cobbler for BBQ dessert. Or try apple crisp in fall. These tips make grilled potatoes foolproof!

Grill directly for that smoky flavor you crave!

How to Store Grilled Potatoes: Best Practices

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Keeps them fresh and safe.
Freezing: Freeze in single layers up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave for speed or skillet for crispiness. Avoid sogginess.
Meal prep considerations: Batch cook for salads, grain bowls, or breakfast. Boil ahead strategy saves time.

Smart storage means more grilled potatoes joy!

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Potatoes

How do you grill potatoes on a gas or charcoal grill?

Grilling potatoes is simple with these steps: Start by washing and cutting 1.5-2 pounds of medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes into 1-inch chunks for even cooking. Parboil them in salted water for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender, then drain and pat dry. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs like rosemary. For gas grills, preheat to medium-high (400°F); for charcoal, set up a two-zone fire. Place in a foil packet or grill basket and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden. Direct grilling works too—use skewers for whole baby potatoes, 15-20 minutes over medium heat. Test doneness with a fork; they should be soft inside with charred edges. Serves 4 as a side. (92 words)

How long does it take to grill potatoes?

Grilling time varies by method and potato size. Chunked potatoes (1-inch pieces) in foil packets take 20-30 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway. Whole baby potatoes on skewers need 15-25 minutes over medium heat, rotating often. Parboil first to cut time by 10 minutes and prevent undercooking. Thin slices for potato planks grill in 10-15 minutes per side directly on grates, brushed with oil. Factors like grill type (gas faster than charcoal) and starting temperature matter—cold potatoes add 5 minutes. Always use a thermometer: aim for 205°F internal for fork-tender results. Crispy skins form in the last 5 minutes. Avoid overcrowding for even heat. (98 words)

Do you have to boil potatoes before grilling?

Boiling isn’t always required but recommended for most methods. Parboil cut potatoes 5-8 minutes to soften the dense starch, ensuring even cooking without burning exteriors—especially for larger chunks or dense russets. Skip for baby potatoes or thin slices; they cook faster. Direct grilling whole spuds takes 45-60 minutes, wrapped in foil with oil and seasonings. Pro tip: After boiling, shock in ice water to stop cooking and dry thoroughly to avoid steaming on the grill. This yields crispy outsides and fluffy insides. For no-boil, use a grill basket at medium-low heat, stirring frequently for 25-35 minutes. Taste improves with salt in boil water. (96 words)

What are the best potatoes for grilling?

Choose waxy varieties like red bliss, Yukon Gold, or fingerlings—they hold shape better than starchy russets, which can fall apart. Red potatoes offer thin, edible skins that crisp nicely. Baby potatoes (1-2 inches) are ideal for skewers, grilling in 15-20 minutes. For wedges or planks, medium Yukon Golds provide creamy texture. Avoid large baking potatoes unless halved and foil-wrapped. Prep tip: Select firm, unblemished ones; 1.5 pounds serves 4. Season simply with oil, salt, paprika, and onions for flavor. Stats show grilled potatoes absorb 20% less oil than fried, making them a healthier 150-calorie side per serving. Pair with steak or veggies. (102 words)

What are easy seasoning ideas for grilled potatoes?

Keep it simple or mix up flavors: Basic—olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder (cooks in 25 minutes). Herbed: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest for brightness. Spicy: Paprika, cayenne, cumin for smoky heat. Cheesy: Toss with Parmesan post-grill. Loaded: Mix in bacon bits, chives, sour cream after cooking. For 2 pounds, use 3 tablespoons oil and 1 teaspoon each seasoning. Grill in foil with onions or peppers for one-pan meals. A survey notes 70% of home cooks prefer garlic-herb blends on potatoes. These boost taste without extra calories. Link to our full grilled veggie guide for more pairings. (98 words)

Grilled Potatoes Recipe Easy BBQ Side

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Potatoes